Filing device



H. A. wARDY FILING DEVICE Oct. 1s, l1949.

2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Aug'. 19, 1944` Wear www

Waffe/'yf Oct. 1s, 1949. H. A. WARDY 2,485,519

FILING DEVICE Filed Aug. 19, 1944 2 sheets-sheet 2 Patented Oct. 18I 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Harry A. Wardy, Los Angeles, Calif. Application August 19, 1944, Serial No. 550,135

4 Claims. (Cl. 129-16) This invention relates to devices for handling and containing ledger sheets, charge slips, statements, cards and papersand documents of various kinds. A general object of this invention is to provide a device of this nature which facilitates the ready sorting, filing and withdrawal of the papers. Y

Another object of this invention is to provide a filing .device of the character referred to that may be easily enlarged or reduced in capacity at will.

Another object of this invention is to provide a filing device in which the papers are contained in series of stepped pockets or receptacles each individually' accessible and each provided with suitable individual identifying indicia.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character referred to in which each series of paper containing pockets is made up of a number of boards, sheets or cards arranged one behind the other with their lower edges connected and supported in stepped relation by means which provide bottoms for the paper receiving spaces between the cards, said bottoms being spaced one above the other in an upward and rearward progression so that the papers in the spaces are supported in stepped order for easy access and for ready visibility.

Another object of this invention is to provide a filing device of the character mentioned embodying simple, eifective meansr for securing additional boards or cards to the pocket forming assemblies so that said assemblies may be increased in extent as conditions may require.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned embodying novelv and effective means for separating or spreading the pocket forming assemblies and for freeing their individual cards or boards for eastT manual spreading, rendering the identifying means of the assemblies and their individual cards readily visible and to facilitate the removal, sorting in and inspection of the contents or papers.

Another object of this invention is to provide a filing device of the character mentioned in which the pocket assemblies are supported at their opposite sides and between their upper and lower ends and the means for separating or spreading the pocket assemblies operates to exert a rearward force or compressing force on the lower portions of a number of such assembliesv to cause the upper portions of the assemblies to spread apart.

fAnother object of this invention is to provide -a filing device .of the character'referred to in which the card or pocket assemblies have intermediate vertical slots and the container or body oi the device has a partition received in said slots to divide the pockets of the assemblies into separate compartments, thus doubling the number of compartments without increasing the size or number of said assemblies.

A further object of this invention is to provide a filing device of the character referred to embodying novel identification carrying means for the pocket-forming cards or members of the assemblies.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of my invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one form of device of this invention illustrating the manner in which the pocket providing assemblies may be spread apart at their upper ends. Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the elements for connecting the lower portions of the adjacent boards or members providing the pockets of the assemblies. Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional View of the upper portion of one oi the boards or members of the pocket assemblies illustrating the identication means of the same. Fig. 4is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view of the lower portion of one of the board members illustrating the manner in which the next board member is coupled with the same. Fig. 5 is a vertical detailed sectional View of the device with portions of the forem-ostassembly broken away to illustrate the various parts. Fig. 6 is a vertical cletailed sectional View of one of the pocket assemblies removed from the body. Fig. '7 is an enlarged fragmentary verticaldetailed sectional View of a portion of the body illustrating one of the sockets or slots for the hinge lug of one of the hinged dividers and Fig. 8 is a View similar to Fig. 5 illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

The form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive, may be said to comprise, generally, a body IE), a plurality of pocket providing assemblies II in the body I0 and means I2 for spreading the upper portions of said assemblies II.

The body I0 serves to receive the several assemblies II and to carry the other elements of the device. In the preferred construction the body I0 isv a simple elongate rectangular structure comprising spaced sides I3 and ends I4. The

ate with the ridges 2|.

sides I3 are vertical members provided at their upper and lower edges with inturned flanges I5 and I8, respectively. Vertical flanges or aprons I'I extend upwardly from the inner edges of the lower flanges I6. It will be observed that the body sides I3 are simple one-piece members which may be inexpensively formed of sheet metal, or the like. The upper flanges I5 of the sides I3 carry rails I8. The rails I8 are provided with flanges I9 which lie against the outer surfaces of the sides I3 and the rails carry depending flanges or aprons which are vertical and lie in the same plane as the aprons I'I. The rails I8 are shaped to have raised ridges 2| The ridges 2| are spaced between the opposite longitudinal edges of the rails I8 and preferably extend along the rails lfrom one end to the other. In the preferred construction the ridges 2| are of inverted V-shape in vertical cross section. The rails I8 are plated or other- Wise finished so that their exposed surfaces are smooth. The functions of the rails I8 and their ridges 2| will be later described.

The ends lIll of the body II! may be simple vertical members having inturned flanges 22 at their opposite edges welded or otherwise fixed to the sides I3. Similar flanges 23 may be provided along the lower edges of the ends I4 and maybe suitably fixed to the lbottom flanges I6 of the sides I3. Outturned lips or rims 24 extend along the upper edges of the ends I4 and may be employed as grips or handles to facilitate the use of the device. The bottom of the body I8 may be open.

The assemblies II are removably inserted in the body I0 and serve to hold the documents, cards or papers. There is usually a plurality of assemblies II and in accordance with the invention the individual assemblies may be increased or decreased in extent as required. The several assemblies II are alike and each includes a 'plurality of sheets, cards, plates or boards which I will term members 25. The members 25 are -generally rectangular elements formed of fiber board, cardboard, stiff paper, or the like. It is usually preferred to provide members 25 with straight horizontal upper and lower edges. The side'edges of the members 25 are stepped, the members being reduced 'in width at their lower portions to have downwardly facing horizontal shoulders 26 at their opposite Side edges. The shoulders 28 of any given member 25 occur in a common horizontal plane and rest on the rails I8 to support the member in the body I0. V notches 27| are formed in the shoulders 26 to receive or cooper- The cooperation of `the notches 2'I with the ridges 2| guides the members 25 and the assemblies I I and prevents the mem-- bers from assuming diagonal positions where they .may fall or catch between the aprons 20. In accordance with the invention the shoulders 26 `are in stepped relation, the shoulders of the several members 25 of each assembly I I being in a downwardly and rearwardly stepped progression prior to the connection or assembly of the members. Thus, in each assembly II, the shoulders 2,6 vof the front member 25 may be adjacent the top of the member, the shoulders of the second to the foremost member 25 are somewhat lower, the shoulders 26 of the third to the foremost member being still lower and so on. The members 25 are connected or assembled by means to be later described so that their shoulders -26 occur in a common horizontal plane to all rest on the rails I8. When the vertically stepped shoulders 26 are brought to a common plane the members 25 are -stepped upwardly and rearwardly, `the upper end of the second to the foremost member 25 being above the front member, the upper edge of the third to the foremost member being above the second to the foremost member and so on. This upward and rearward stepped progression of the members 2| is clearly illustrated in Figs, 1, 5 and 6 of the drawings. The vertical stepping of the members 25 is sujicient to leave clear or exposed spaces at the upper edges of the members of sufficient vertical width or extent to carry the required identification and to facilitate the easy manipulation of the members. The members 25 are intially engaged in close relation one in front of the other but are capable of being spread apart to permit the insertion and removal of the papers, 'and the addition of the ledger sheets, charge slips, or the like, to the le may spread the members 25 apart.

The assemblies I I include novel and particularly effective means for coupling or connecting the lower parts of the members 25 to retain the members in the stepped relation above described where their shoulders 26 are in a common hori- `zontal plane to rest on the rails 8. These means are such that members 25 may be added to and removed from the assemblies II as 4conditions may require and are such that the members l25 may be freely swung `or hinged forwardly to give free access to the pockets or paper containing spaces between the adj acent members.

The means for connecting the adjacent members l25 comprise clipsor hinge parts 28 attached to the lower edge portions of the members. Figs. 2 and 4 of the drawings illustrate the clip or hinge parts 28 in detail. There may Fbe 'a Vsingle hinge part 28 for each member -25 but where the mem-y bers 25 are of substantial width I prefer to provide two or more parts 28 for'eachlmember. The parts 28 may be formed of sheet metal, or the like, and are elongate members adapted to lie ilat against the rear sides of their respective members 25. Forwardly projecting prongs 29 'extend from the upper edges of the members 28 adjacent their oppositeends. The prongs 29 are pointed or have convergent edges. The `prongs 29 are passed forwardly throughopenings 4in their respective members -25 and are then vturned or bent downwardly and rearwardly to engage against 'the forward faces of the Amembers 25. This secures the hinged .parts 28 to the members 25.

The hinge parts 28 are proportioned to have their lower edge portions extend downwardly be- .yond the lower edges `of their respective v*members 25. Elongate horizontal Aslots 3D Yare provided in these downwardly projecting edge portions ofthe hinge parts 28. The upper walls of the slots 30 preferably occur in the same yplanes as the lower edges ofthe members 25. The jparts 28 further include rearwardly projecting generally horizontal flanges 3|. There is preferably a single flange 3| extending rearwardly from the upper edge of each hinge part 28. It is preferred to 'make the flanges 3| of substantial length and in practice the flanges may extend between the spaced prongs 29. A down turned lip -32 extends along Athe rear edge of each flange 3|. The vlips 32 are `generally vertical and substantially parallel with their respective hinge parts 28. The anges 3| and their lips 32 are slightly shorter than theslots 30.

The flanges 3| and the lips 32 are designed 'to be received inthe slots of the hinge part v28 on the adjacent members 25. Fig. 4 ofthe drawings lillustrates the 'manner in which two 'members 24 are hingedly "connected by interengaging their respective hinge parts 28. The member 25 being added to the assembly is first arranged in a generally horizontal position and is then raised so that its slot 30 receives the lip 32 of the vertical member 25. The member 25 being added is then raised to bring its part 28 to the flange 3| of the vertical member 25 and is then swung upwardly and forwardly to a vertical position such as is shown in section in Fig. 6. This engages the slotted lower portion of the added member 25 on the flange 3| of the first member 25 and latches the two members 25 together. The cooperation of the slot 36 with the flange 3| supports the rear member 25 on the hinge part 28 of the other .member 25 so that it is stepped above said other member, the extent of this vertical offsetting or stepping being determined by the proportions of the hinge parts 28.

It will be noted that each of the members 25 except the rearmost one of the series is supported from the next adjacent member to the rear by the cooperation of the hinge members 28, Accordingly, the assembled series may be supported from the shoulders 26 of one of the cards, preferably the rearmost, if desired. Under such conditions the shoulders 26 may be omitted from some or all of the remaining cards.

The several hinge parts 28 of the assemblies I are preferably identical so that the verticalstep.- ping of the members 25 is uniform. The lower edges of the members 25 may bear on the flanges 3| of the preceding members 25 to relieve the hinge parts 28 of a portion of the load. The slots 30 receive the flanges 3| with clearance to allow free relative pivoting or swinging of the members 25. It will be observed that the flanges 3| form shelves or bottoms, for the paper receiving compartments occurring between the members 25, to support the ledger sheets or other papers. As the contents of the assemblies increase the hinge parts 28 move rearwardly on their respective flanges 3| to accommodate the filed papers. Additional members 25 may be easily added to the assemblies Il and, if desired, the assemblies I| may be reduced in extent by removing the members from their front or rear sides. The clip or hinge parts 28 may be provided as separate elements to be applied to the members 25 as required or the members 25 may be already equipped with the hinge parts 28.

The elements or members 25 of the assemblies are provided with novel and very effective identification means. These identification means include strips 33 of transparent material, such as Celluloid, or the like, extending along the upper edges of the members 25. The strips 33 are preferably channel shaped in transverse cross section to have aprons or flanges depending across the front and rear surfaces of the members 25. The strips 33 may extend substantially the entire lengths of the top edges of the members 25. Wire staples 34 or the like, secure the strips 33 to the members 25 adjacent the ends of the strips. The strips 33 may be relatively stiff but the securing of the strips to the members 25 at widely spaced points permits a limited play or movement of the forward flanges of the strips when the same are intentionally manipulated. Tabs 35 are struck forwardly from the material of the members 25.

The tabs 35 are spaced below the strips 33 and v occur in common horizontal planes on their respective members 25. As best illustrated in Fig. 3 of the drawings, the tabs 35 lie substantially parallel with and adjacent to the forward faces of their members 25. There may be several tabs ,35 'spaced across the face of each member 25.

, upper edges.

Paper or card slips 36 bearing or adapted to bear the required identifications for the several members 25 are entered upwardly under the transparentforward strips 33 and are engaged downwardly behind the tabs 35. It will be apparent how the cards or paper slips 36 may be readily arranged in place and removed as required. The transparent slips 33 are effective in retaining and protecting the identification slips. The members 25 may be rapidly handled and manipulated without soiling, tearing or injuring the identification slips 36 and the transparent strips 33 protect both the identification slips 36 and the upper edge portions of the members 25.

The means l2 are important features of the invention. The means I2 -are operable to spread forwardly the upper portions of the several assemblies to make the assemblies and their respective members 25 readily visible and easily accessible. The means |2 includes a plurality of hinged or pivoted plates 31 arranged in the body I8 at longitudinally spaced points. The plates 31 may be spaced along the body I0 as operating conditions may require and serve as dividers to separate the multiplicity of assemblies into separate groups of assemblies. The plates 31 are formed of sheet metal, stiff fiber board, or other material having considerable rigidity.

As illustrated in the drawings, the plates 31 are of substantially the same conguration as the above described members 25, being generally rectangular elements reduced in width at their lower `portions to enter the body |0 and to have downwardly facing horizontal shoulders 38. The shoulders 38 are adapted to rest on the rails I8 when the plates 31 are in inclined positions as will' be more fully described. V-shaped notches 39 are formed in the shoulders 38 to receive or cooperate with the ridges 2|. The lower portions of theplates 31 are received between the spaced Opposed pairs of aprons |1 and 28 with suitable working clearance. It is preferred to proportion the plates 31 so that their upper edges are in about the same plane as the upper edges of the rearmost members 25 of the assemblies and the upper exposed parts of the plates 31 may be slightly wider than the members 25.

f The invention `provides novel and effective aneans for removably pivotally mounting the plates in the body I0 to hinge or swing about horizontalaxes spaced above their lower ends. The laprons |1 are provided with longitudinally spaced slots 46 extending downwardly from their The slots 40 of the two aprons |1 `are directly opposite, that is, they occ-ur in pairs, and the slots 40 may be equally spaced throughout the lengths of the aprons. The slot-s 40 slope downwardly yand rearwardly from the upper edges ofthe aprons l1 and are widened or enlarged .at their lower ends to h-avepockets 4|. The pockets 4| are generally V-shaped or keystone-shaped having downwardly convergent forward and rear walls and fiat generally horizontal upper and lower walls. The means for hingedly or pivotally mounting the plates 31 further include trunnions or pivot lugs 42 projecting from the opposite side `edges. of the plates. The lugs 42 Iare adapted to lbe passed downwardly through the slots 48 to the pockets 4| and are adapted to bear in the pockets t0 pivotally support their respective plates 31. It will loe Iseen how the plates 31 may be brought to' forwardly and upwardly inclined positions with their lugs 42 at the mouths of the slot-s 40 and then lowered to bring the lugs into the pockets 4|'. The lugs -42 bear on the lower walls of the pockets and are adapted to swing forwardly and rearwardly in the pockets when the plates 31 are hinged or swung. The sloping walls of the pockets 4I limit the extent of forward and rearward pivoting of the plates 31, the dat sides of the lugs 42 engaging with the wall-s of the pockets 4I Ito stop or limit pivoting of the plates. It is to be observed that where the slots 48 :are spaced along the aprons I1 the divider plates 31 may be arranged Xat sel-ected points throughout the length `of the body Ill to divide the series of assemblies I l into as many sub-groups as required with the sub-groups of any selected extents.

The means -I 2 further include what I will term pusher plates 43. The pusher plates 43 yare arranged immediately in front of the divider plates 31, there being Ia pusher plate 43 provided 'for each divider plate. The pusher plates 43 are -generally rectangular members of substantially the same proportions and shape as their respective divider plates 31 and are provided at their opposite edges with downwardly facing horizontal shoulders 44 :adapted to cooperate with the rails IB. The shoulders 44 are notched to cooperate with or receive the ridges ZI. The pusher plates 43 are preferably formed of relatively 'stifl but somewhat iiexible and resilient material such as sheet metal, stii ber board, or the like. It is preferred to merely removably insert the pusher plates 43 immediately in front of each divider plate 31. The pusher plates 43 may be of substantially t-he same size as the divider plates 31 or may be somewhat longer to extend downwardly between the lower edges of the plates 31. The divider plates 31 and the pusher plates 43 `are both entirely clear of the bottom of the body III and the support on -which the body is resting. The pusher plates 43 may be provided at their upper edges with window tabs 41 whose windows may carry identification cards or sheets 41a. If desired, the identication tabs 41 may be provided on the hinged divider 'plates 31 instead of the pusher plates 43. As above mentioned, the pusher plates 43 are free or unsecured.

When an Iadjacent divider plate 31 is tilted to the forward position the respective pusher plate -43 may likewise be tilted forwardly and then shoved or pushed downwardly and rearwardly. This brings :the lower edge of the pusher plate against the front of the foremost assembly II I. f

The pusher plate 43 pushes rearwardly against the kassembly II adjacent its lower edge andthe operator may apply a substantial rearward and downward force against the pusher plate to compress or shift rearwardly :the lower portions of the assemblies II. As the assemblies I I rare supported between their upper and lower ends on the rails I8 rearward iforce against their lower parts causes the upper parts to swing forwardly and thus separate one from the other. Fig. 1 of the drawings illustrates the manner in which a pusher plate 43 may be shoved rearwardly against .the lower part of the adjacent assembly Il to spread the upper parts of the assemblies. In practice, the pusher plates 43 may be formed of ilexible resilient material and rwhen `forced downwardly and rearwardly as just described, they may vrlezr to some extent. When 'the pusher plates are brought to forwardly 4inclined positions their shoulders y44 ride along the rails IB. This engagement prevents the pusher .plates lfrom being .shoved .directly downward and the shoulders 44 engaging on the rails I8 pivotall-y or swingably support the pusher plates so that their rear parts may swing 4rearwardly against the assemblies .I I.

Fig. 8 of the drawing-s illustrates an alternative or modied form of the invention in which the body I0 is partitioned and the assemblies IIa are constructed so that their paper receiving pockets are divided. A vertical partition 50 extends longitudinally through the body IU from its front end I4 to its rear end I4. There may be one Ior more such partitions 5B. The partition 5l! may be a sheet of metal, or the like, bent longitudinally to have spaced parallel cheeks or side parts rand to have a rounded upper edge 5|. The partition 50 may be of substantially the same height as the body sides I3. The paper receiving assemblies I-Ial are substantially the same as the assemblies II described above but are formed to cooperate with or receive the partition 50. The `n'iernbers 25a of the assemblies IIa have vertical slots 52 extending upwardly from their lower edges to receive the partition 50. The slots 52 are proportioned to receive the partition `50 with suitable clearance. The partition 50, passing through the several slots 52, partitions or divides each of the paper receiving spaces of the :assemblies IIa into individual pockets or spaces. Separate identification means is preferably provided for each paper receiving pocket or space of the assemblies I I. The identiiication means may be substantially the same as described above comprising transparent edge strips 33a, retaining tabs 35a 'and the identification cards or slips 36a. Where the spaces between the adjacent members 25a are partitioned or divided by the partition 50 each member 2&5a carries two sets of strips 33a, tabs 352L and identication slips 36a.

It is lbelieved that the utility and practicability of the iiling device provided by this invention will be readly understood from the foregoing detailed description. Referring to the structure illustrated in Figs. 1 to '1, inclusive, the body I0 may be provided with as many assembies II as required and the assemblies may embody as many members 25 as needed. As above described, the assembles I I may be readily enlarged in capacity by the addition of additional members 25 and may be reduced in size by the simple removal of the unneeded members 25. The clp or hinge parts 2 provide for the ready addition of members 25 to .the .assemblies I I and are such that the unnecessary members 25 may be quickly disengaged and removed. The pockets or spaces between the adjacent members 25 are adapted to readily receive .the ledger sheets, charge sheets, etc. and the flanges 3| of the hinge parts 28 may be pro'- portioned so that these paper receiving spaces have a substantial capacity. It is to be observed that the papers are retained in a ilat state by reason of being engaged between the spaced generally parallel members 25. When it is desired to remove papers, sort in papers or inspect papers ina given assembly l I or a given group of assemblies -i I, the divider plate 3l and the pusher plate 43 in iront of that group of assemblies Il are swung to the forwardly and upwardly projecting positions. When this is done the lower portion of the plate 31 swings rearwardly and may engage the adjacent pusher plate 43 to assist in shifting -t'he same rearwardly at its lower end. The lugs 42 of the plate 31 engage against the forward walls of their pockets 4I to limit the forward shifting `of the plate. The pusher plate 43 is then pushed downwardly and rearwardly, that is, a downward and rearward forceapplied to its upper part. This .causes the lower portion of the mem- :ber to .move rearwardly against the foremost assembly il. lThe ,shoulders 4.4 `or the :pusher plate 43 may slide along or may be slid along the rails I8 when the plate is forced downwardly. The rearward force exerted on the lower portions of the assemblies II by the lower edge part of the pusher plate 43 compacts the lower portions of the assemblies causing them to move rearwardly. The assemblies are pivotally supported on the rails I8 by their shoulders 38 and the rearward movement of the lower parts of the assemblies II is accompanied by forward movement of the upper parts of the assemblies. Thus, the upper parts of the assemblies are spread apart. This exposes the upper portions of the several members 25 and makes the members and their paper receiving spaces readily visible and accessible. The upwardly and rearwardly stepped progression of the members 25 materially facilitates the expeditious sorting and withdrawal of papers. The user merely runs his hand or fingers rearwardly along the upper parts of an assembly I I until he reaches the desired paper receiving space and this space is readily opened or widened for the sorting in of the paper, withdrawal of the papers, or the like. When the filing is completed the divider plate 3I and the pusher plate 43 may be swung back to their normal upwardly and rearwardly sloping positions to restore the members 25 to their compact normal relation.

Having described typical preferred forms and applications of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specic details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modications that may appear to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A ling device comprising in combination, a group of flat sheets assembled lface-to-face in vertically stepped relation, hinge means connecting adjacent sheets at their lower edges to hold said sheets in said vertically stepped relation and to form a series of vertically opening iile pockets, said hinge means having a slidable connection to provide for transverse shifting of one sheet toward and away from the adjacent sheets to expand or contract the pockets formed by the sheets, said hinge means providing for pivoting of adjacent sheets about a horizontal axis extending laterally of the sheets but preventing vertical movement of adjacent sheets relative to each other, and means on at least one of said sheets for supporting the assembled group of sheets.

2. A ling device comprising, in combination, a group of flat sheets assembled face-to-face in vertically stepped relation, similar hinge members adjacent the lower edge of each sheet, the hinge member of one sheet interengaging with the hinge members of the adjacent sheets in front of and in back of said one sheet to interconnect the sheets to hold said sheets in said vertical stepped relation and prevent vertical movement of said sheets relative to each other and thereby form vertically opening file pockets, said interengaging hinge membershaving a sliding connec- 10 tion to provide for adjusting the thickness of said pockets, and means on at least one of said sheets for suspending an assembled group of sheets.

3. A ling device comprising, in combination, a group of 'at sheets assembled face-to-face in vertically stepped relation, similar connecting members on said sheets each having a rst part projecting below the lower edge of the sheet and a second part spaced upwardly from said lower edge and projecting rearwardly of the sheet, the first part of one member interltting with the second part of the adjacent member to connect the associated sheets and thereby form upwardly opening file pockets, said first andv second parts when intertted holding said sheets against vertical movement relative to each other and in said vertically stepped relation and being readily shiftable tranversely of the plane of the sheets to adjust the thickness of the pocket formed by the sheets.

4. A ling device comprising, in combination, a group of flat sheets assembled face-to-face in vertically stepped relation, connecting members secured to the lower edges of each sheet, each of said members having an edge portion projecting beyond the lower edge of the associated sheet and a rearwardly projecting ange, the lower edge portion of each member having an elongated slot adapted to receive the ange of the connecting member on the next adjacent sheet in front whereby the sheets are disengageably interconnected to form vertically opening pockets, said flanges holding said sheets against vertical movement relative to each other and in said vertically stepped relation and being adjustable in said slots to vary the thickness of the pockets formed by the adjacent sheets.

HARRY A. WARDY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 668,727 Chapman Feb. 26, 1901 1,065,106 Best June 17, 1913 1,383,684 Wernery July 5, 1921 1,469,798 Martin Oct. 9, 1923 1,539,411 Davis May 26, 1925 1,612,562 Bellis Dec. 28, 1926 1,727,926 Bellis Sept. 10, 1929 1,804,339 Henschel May 5, 1931 2,152,606 Rand Mar. 28, 1939 2,153,422 Kroman Apr. 4, 1939 2,178,459 Sherman Oct. 31, 1939 2,220,562 Wardy Nov. 5, 1940 2,247,593 Weber July 1, 1941 2,293,985 Klein Aug. 25, 1942 2,298,244 Wilcox Oct. 6, 1942 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 188.340 Switzerland 1937 

